“So… that was crazy,” Renee said when they pulled up in front of the hotel.

“Yeah.” He’d been quiet while they’d been driving, asking her to give him a moment to gather his thoughts. He also needed to recover a bit from the fight. Shifting for the first time in so long had taken a lot out of him.

And he wanted to say things just right to his mate.

He was still quiet as they parked and he came around to open the door for his mate. He couldn’t resist taking her in his arms again, holding her close, knowing she was safe.

The ring box felt as if it were burning a hole in his pocket.

“I’m so sorry you got caught up in this,” he said as they pulled apart and started heading for the elevator.

“I’m not. If I helped save you, I’m glad.”

“I still need to yell at Marina for choking you,” he said darkly. “I’ll never forget that sight in my life.”

“She did what she had to in order for us all to get out safe. I like her a lot.”

He sighed. “You’re right, obviously. I just… hate the idea of anything happening to you.”

“Then can’t you see that I feel the same? When I woke up today and I couldn’t find you, it was the most horrible feeling.”

“I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have left you of my own choice.”

“I know.” She took his hand and pressed the button for his floor. “But let’s not worry about it now. Let’s just pack and get out of here.”

“Yeah,” he said. “Sorry about your friend.”

“She turned out to be a real bitch,” Renee said. “I’m just sorry she hurt you.”

“She didn’t. Thanks to you and Marina.”

They walked out of the elevator and stopped as he pulled out a key to open the hotel door. Dragon magic enabled them to stay in their clothing before and after a shift, so he looked the same, albeit a little worse for wear.

He walked into the living room and sat on the edge of the bed, running his fingers through his hair. “I’m a little upset at being the damsel in distress, though.”

“You made up for it,” she said, walking over to stand between his knees. “Besides, you’ve been saving me ever since you met me.”

“So you forgive me for almost drowning you?” he teased, looking up into her golden-brown eyes and feeling warmth rush through him. All of the weird details faded away, and it was just them again.

Just two people in love.

“You wouldn’t have let anything happen,” she said. “You want to come into the bedroom? I want to change.”

“Sure,” he said. He followed her in, stretching his arms over his head and popping his back. He was sore in every direction but had no regrets. It had been awesome to be a dragon again.

He heard rustling as he came into the room and looked up to see her taking off her clothes, stopping when she was in a bra and small panties.

His jaw dropped. “What?”

“Well, Marina said we have to do it again.” She rubbed a hand over her stomach. “Wait, can we get pregnant?”

“I don’t think so,” he said. “Not the first time.”

“I see,” she said.

“And it might be rare anyway. We might not even have young. Some dragons have with their human mates, but it’s tough. Complicated.”

“It’s fine,” she said, coming over and wrapping her arms around him, standing on her toes. “I have you. Let fate decide the rest.”

“I can have Jenny and Seaton keep us apprised.”

“Seaton?”

“My brother and his mate.”

“You have a brother?” she asked, pushing back from him. “Is he a dragon, too?”

“Yes,” he said.

She sat back on the bed with a sigh. “So much I don’t know about you.”

“Well,” he said nervously. “I guess you know the biggest things now.”

“Yeah, one really big thing,” she said, and he guessed she was thinking about his dragon. “So was that what you meant about growing up on the ocean?”

He nodded.

“And your sister said you wanted to ask me something. What was it?”

He got down on one knee, the way he’d seen men do on the posters in the jewelry stores. His heart was pounding, but why wait? He’d almost been taken away from her.

He pulled out the velvet box, brushed the sand off of it, and opened it for her.

“Oh my goodness,” she said, putting both hands over her mouth as she stared down.

Was that a good or a bad response?

“Do you like it?” he asked nervously.

“I love it,” she said, putting her hand out.

He took it out of the box. “It’s a tourmaline.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“The other dragons, the land dragons, all have gemstones. Me and my siblings are technically their kind, though we live in the ocean. We are named for gemstones, though most of us have disregarded it, as we ignored things that tied us to land. Especially me.”

“So yours is tourmaline?” she asked.

“Yes, though I didn’t care before I met you. I didn’t want a new life here. All I did was fight monsters. In this new world, I didn’t see where I could go.”

She just listened, looking down at the ring in his hand hovering above her fingers.

“All that changed when I saw you. It was like a vision. I just took one look and knew you were meant for me. I thought you’d be a swimmer, but even when I found out you weren’t, it didn’t matter. You became more important to me than the ocean. More important than anything. Now there’s no room for anything but you in my heart.” He held the ring over her ring finger.

“I only think of you,” she said, encouraging him. “I meant it when I said I wanted everything. I used to think maybe our lifestyles wouldn’t fit, but what is important, we have in common. The desire to do the right thing, a love for each other—”

“You love me?” he asked, looking up at her.

“Of course,” she said. “Would I have said I wanted everything if I didn’t?”

“I have to explain something,” he said, aching to put the ring on her but knowing he had to do it the right way. “When I said everything, I might have meant something you didn’t. Dragons, my kind, we have mates. It’s even stronger than marriage, a bond that goes for all time. There is only one for us.”

“So you don’t get to choose?”

“It’s not that,” he said. “It’s more that a force greater than us understands what we need, and when we find that person, we fall in instant, deep love. Then, as we get to know them, we find out all the reasons why.”

She flushed and looked away. “I see.”

“Like with you,” he said, squeezing her hand. “How beautiful you are. How sweet. How patient and willing you are to forgive and give second chances, even when someone doesn’t deserve it.”

“Hey, some people deserve second and third chances. Sea dragons included.” She sighed. “So much makes sense now. Why you are so awkward, why you have no idea how hot you are—”

“Oh, I know how hot I am,” he teased.

“Why, you—”

“Hot enough to get a girl like you,” he said, coming forward onto the bed and catching her under the thighs, lifting her onto him so he could nuzzle her neck.

She laughed and struggled. “You’re silly.”

“I’m not. I’m a dragon, and I’m in love. And I know there’s so much more to tell you, but will you be mine?”

She stared at him, expression softening. “I think so. There’s one thing you should know, though.”

“What is it?”

“I have cats. Two of them. It’s nonnegotiable.”

He laughed. “Is that all? That’s easy. There are quite a few cats at the mansion.”

“The mansion?”

“Where the dragons live. We will need to stay there until we figure out what’s attacking and where it is. And I need get back with my mate and make a plan on what to do next.”

“I see. So you’re a fighter?”

He nodded. “I still intend to protect humanity. One human in particular.”

She cupped his face. “I like the sound of that. Now what was Marina saying about sex again?”

He smiled and finally slid the ring on her finger, feeling his soul heal completely as he did.

He was home. His purpose complete. He was ready to go forward.

She looked down at it. “I love the stone. It reminds me of you.”

“It reminds me of you,” he said. “Because my love for you is as deep as the ocean.”

“Cheesy,” she said, burying her head in his shoulder.

“Can you really accept all of this?” he asked quietly. “All of me?”

“Of course,” she said. “I already did. I know it’s a little weird, but doesn’t everyone have baggage? I know you’re the one for me. I was meant to meet you here. I’m ready to go to your world. As long as I can bring my kitties.”

“I can’t wait to meet your kitties,” he said warmly.

“Great,” she said. “So, Kai… since you’re a sea dragon, do you want to go do it… in the ocean?”

His eyebrows shot up. “You would?”

She nodded. “Not that I’m sure how.”

“I’m a sea dragon. I think I could figure something out.” He’d looked it up on his phone after talking to Red, and while it had seemed like a bad idea for normal people, he was pretty sure for a dragon that could control the tides and purify the water, it would be just fine.

And he couldn’t think of any better place to claim his mate.

“All right,” she said. “What are you waiting for? Take me, sea dragon.”

To the ocean it was.

* * *

Renee was still nervous, looking at the ocean, but it was better with Kai at her side.

Besides, after seeing him use a tidal wave at his command, she felt a little less helpless, a little less at the mercy of the ocean’s whims.

She was at the mercy of Kai, but she knew him enough now to know that those whims would never hurt her. He might be clumsy at times, still trying to understand this world, but he would never let her down. Not intentionally.

They’d both have to find a way to come together in this new world.

Her heart still pounded when she thought of the moment she’d seen his dragon. She’d nearly screamed until Marina had covered her mouth. She’d wanted to run, but then she’d felt a calming feeling going through her, presumably coming from Marina.

“Listen,” Marina said. “That’s Kai. We’re different. Let me show you.”

And then it was like Marina shared memories, and Renee saw images of Kai’s old life. And Marina’s. And a blond-haired man who must be Seaton, the brother Kai had mentioned.

How she could be meant for a man she’d never met, she didn’t know.

She just knew she felt at home with him and she was so grateful he’d come into her life. So glad she’d left Chase and stood up to Liz and was taking control of her circumstances.

Besides, there were weirder things than having a dragon for a lover, weren’t there?

Maybe not. But as she walked out into the waves, way down the beach away from the hotel where no one could see them, she didn’t care.

Kai’s hand in hers was all she needed.

The sun was setting, but it was still warm outside, the waves the perfect temperature.

She shivered slightly out of nerves as the first wave crashed over her feet, and Kai looked down in concern.

“If you want me to change the temperature at any time, let me know.”

“That’s amazing you can do that,” she said, taking a few brave steps forward, only to be nearly tumbled by a rogue wave. She braced herself, arm up, but the wave paused, stopped by Kai, who swept her up in his arms.

“Here, let me take you out there. Poor little human who doesn’t know how to deal with waves.”

She snorted. “Fine. You help me in the water, and I’ll help you on land. We’ll be even.”

“Okay,” he said simply, easily carrying her, lifting her above the waves until the harsh crests became soft swells.

He simply floated with her there. Did he even need to tread water, or did he arrange it around him? She didn’t know. She didn’t need to as she wrapped her legs around his waist. She was wearing her floral cover-up over her red swimsuit, and considering how little it covered, it should be pretty convenient for what they were about to do.

“Are you absolutely sure?” he asked, looking into her eyes, the blue there reflecting all the colors of the sunset.

“Yes,” she said. “Surer than I’ve been about everything. You make me sure of myself for the first time in my life. You make me want to be brave.”

“I’m glad,” he said, kissing her neck and pulling her a little closer. She felt his hand reach down to grab the hem of the floral dress and lift it over her head. He tossed it, shimmering with water, a few feet away. “We’ll get that later.”

“Okay.”

“Or I’ll just buy you a new one. I’m very rich, you know.”

“Oh, you are?” she said, unable to focus on anything but the feel of his lips as he nibbled at her neck, holding one hand around her hips as the other played with the string that held her top.

“Yes,” he said. She felt the bra come loose, and he pulled it away, baring her in the ocean. He held her back a bit so he could look down. “How are you so beautiful?”

She giggled. “How are you such a flatterer?”

“Hey,” he said, working on her bottoms now. “I only tell the truth. That’s kind of my problem.”

The bottoms fell away easily, making her gasp as she felt water all over her bare body.

“Don’t worry. I’ve got you,” he said, holding her close, kissing up her neck to her ear as her legs remained wrapped around his hard waist and his hands explored her bare skin. “Mm… I liked those string things. All of your garments should have them for easy access.”

She laughed, swatting at him. “I don’t think so. We’d never get anything done.”

He lifted his head. “Is that a bad thing?”

“According to you, it is, since apparently the world is in danger. I mean, I have a family, too, you know. I would feel bad if I didn’t help my dragon do all he could to save the world.”

“Hm, do I get to meet your family?”

“Maybe,” she said. “Depends if they let us out of the mansion for Christmas.”

“Christmas?”

“Just another thing I have to explain,” she said. She looked down at him, his glorious muscles wet and rippling in the ocean. “Hey, why do I have to be naked but your suit is still on?”

“Oh, right,” he said. He waved a hand, and she saw the shorts flow right off, as if pulled by the current.

“Kinky,” she said, grinning. There was nothing between them now, and she reached a hand down to stroke his length. “Is the water safe?”

He closed his eyes, focusing. “Now it is. You shouldn’t come to any harm.”

She winced. “Is that possible? That’s a sexy thought…”

“You not coming to harm? I agree,” he said, squeezing her buttocks. “My mate should be safe in every way. Now there’s only clean, sparkling water all around us. And no one can see us. Just my mate and the ocean and me.”

“Hm,” she said. “What are you going to do about it?”

“This,” he said, lifting her slightly and fitting them together perfectly. As he slid slowly, slickly inside, she gasped at the sensation of it. The warmth between them, the coolness of the ocean. The sunset, the wind, the sea spray.

Everything was perfect.

Then he started to move, and she draped her hands around his neck, holding on to his shoulders as she met him with each thrust. She threw her head back, and he bent to suck on her breasts, taking each nipple in his mouth and laving it completely before moving to the other.

Heat built inside her unlike anything before, and she bit her lip against the scream that was coming.

“Go on,” he said. “No one can hear us.” Then he thrust in against her, hard, nipping her neck at the same time, and she came, shuddering against him as the ocean rocked, feeling utterly alone with him even though nature was all around.

It was an incredible feeling, like flying or floating, suspended underwater. She instantly wanted more.

“Kai,” she murmured, moving against him again, even more sensitive now.

“I can’t hold on much longer,” he said. “You’re too amazing. You feel… like heaven. Unlike anything I ever thought existed.”

“I’m glad,” she said. “Because you make everything feel right in the world.”

“I love you,” he said, increasing the pace between them, holding her steady in the water as he kissed over her shoulders, her neck, her breasts, finally taking her lips with his and kissing her deeply as they thrust together again and again.

The pressure built, as surely as a wave approaching the beach, and as it crashed, this time he went with her and she felt him jerk against her as pleasure cascaded inside her, roiling like a turbulent sea.

She bit down on his lower lip, and he gasped, saying her name in a low, throaty voice as they both came.

Over and over, she rode the waves of pleasure with him, loving the feel of him inside her. When they were both finished, they stayed there, breathless, floating in the water effortlessly, both flushed with exertion and joy.

“Where’s your collar?” she asked, suddenly noticing it was gone.

“I don’t know,” he said. “It must have slipped into the ocean when we were coming together. But I don’t care. The important part is you’re mine.”

She knew it deep down, more than she’d ever known anything else.

She looked at the ring on her finger, which was tight enough that she he had no worry of it leaving. It was weird because she normally would worry about something like that.

“It’s going to stay,” he said, looking in her direction, still slightly out of breath. “Until I take it off. Which is never. You’re stuck with me to the end of time.”

“Okay, sea dragon,” she said, nuzzling the tip of her nose to his. “Sounds good to me.”